2 Cowboys players who are 'definitely making that jump' per head coach
For NFL players, their second year in the league might be the most critical of them all. Breakout rookie seasons can be spoiled by the sophomore slump and slow career starts can be erased from history with great jumps. Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy answered a question on Thursday about two of last year's […]
For NFL players, their second year in the league might be the most critical of them all. Breakout rookie seasons can be spoiled by the sophomore slump and slow career starts can be erased from history with great jumps.
Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy answered a question on Thursday about two of last year's draft picks: DE Sam Williams and WR Jalen Tolbert.
"Sam really came on for us when we gave him more opportunities," McCarthy told reporters. "You can see his comfort in what we're asking to do and his ability to schematically move around and some of the things that the defensive staff is doing. I've been impressed with Sam so far for the first three installs."
As a rookie in 2022, Williams was impressive in limited playing opportunities. Although he played in less than a quarter of the Cowboys' defensive snaps, he managed to make a significant impact when on the field, racking up four sacks, nine QB hits, 10 tackles for loss, one pass deflection, one forced fumble (plus three recoveries), per Pro Football Reference.
That's insane production for the amount of playing time he got. Coaches should want to see him on the field more often.
Williams will likely get his wish. The Cowboys have a very deep group of pass rushers but the former Ole Miss Rebel made his case last season and he'll likely enjoy the benefits from it. He was always supposed to be a project and with one year of NFL experience under his belt, he'll be a very improved version of himself when the season starts.
As for Jalen Tolbert, there were no such flashes of brilliance in his rookie year. He remains one of the biggest mysteries in Dallas after being a healthy scratch for most of the regular season. That's clearly not the start you want for your career but the Cowboys seem convinced 2023 will look a lot different for the former third-round pick.
"Jalen has made some really nice plays, particularly, you know, in the seven-on-seven two-minute situation," added McCarthy about the wide receiver. "So I think both those guys are definitely making that jump."
The Cowboys could use that at wide receiver. The starting trio looks very solid with CeeDee Lamb, Brandin Cooks, and Michael Gallup leading the way. But a fourth WR will be key for depth and gameday rotation.
These two players could change the way we look at two position groups if McCarthy's prediction about them is proven right.
